Australia has been suffering from the impacts of climate change for many years. An unprecedented long period of drought has dessicated many areas of Victoria and New South Wales. Once productive agricultural land has turned to dust. Farmers can no longer afford to buy in irrigation water for their crops (if its is available) and many areas of vines have been left to wither and die, as it became uneconomic to water them.
Despite many Australians feeling the affects of climate change, they have taken little action. Australia has vast reserves of coal which they export around the world and also use to generate nearly 90% of their electricity needs. Despite having vast potential for solar energy, few Australians have been prepared to invest in the technology, as coal generated electricity is so cheap. Due to their affluent lifestyle, the average Australian has the largest carbon footprint in the world.